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Tag: law enforcement

  • Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen In Anambra

    Tragedy struck in the Uga Community of Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, as gunmen unleashed terror, resulting in the deaths of at least two policemen and several others on Thursday, December 29, 2023.

    Residents urgently called upon security agencies and State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for intervention as armed assailants wielding AK-47 rifles conducted kidnappings and gunfire with impunity at the Uga junction. 

    Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and violent.

    The incident occurred at a junction leading to the homes of prominent political figures, including APC chieftain, Andy Uba, and PDP leader, Chris Uba. Reportedly, the gunmen abducted individuals from luxury cars, engaging in an intense exchange of gunfire when confronted by police officers.

    Disturbing video clips circulating on social media depict the aftermath, showing slain officers and abandoned SUVs with signs of forced abduction. Police confirmed the attack, revealing the assailants were disguised in military gear and likely crossed over from a neighboring state.

    Despite the brave efforts of officers from Enugu State attempting to thwart the attackers and ensure the safety of motorists, the gunmen managed to escape, leaving a trail of tragic fatalities and uncertainty in their wake.

  • INEC Implements FG Retirement Policy: Four Directors set to Retire

    In compliance with the government’s reviewed policy on retirement from the federal public service, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the retirement of four directors of Election Management Body.

    Based on circular number HSCF/SPSO/268/T3/2/37 issued on July 27, 2023, it becomes mandatory for a director who has put in eight years of service on the rank to retire.

    Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, revealed that INEC will comply with the government’s directive requiring Directors with eight or more years of service to retire from the public sector. This decision will result in four directors proceeding on terminal leave.

    Notably, two of these directors hold pivotal roles as heads of departments at the National Headquarters, while the remaining two occupy the positions of Administrative Secretaries within the State offices.

    However, an exemption clause under Circular MH. 7205/T/31 dated September 7, 2023, exempts Clinical Officers within the medical cadre from this retirement policy.

    Olumekun conveyed the Commission’s well-wishes to the affected Directors as they prepare to conclude their tenure and retire from their roles within the Commission.

  • Plateau massacre: Death toll hits 150, over 6,000 displaced

    Death toll from the attacks launched on 23 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, from Saturday night to early Monday morning rose to 155 yesterday; while over 6,000 people are said to have been displaced.

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) condemned the attacks and called for a change in military tactics.

    Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Director, Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson, NEF, in a statement, said: “NEF expresses concern over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings, despite claiming to have promptly responded to 36 distress calls from different locations in Plateau State in the 48 hours leading up to Christmas. This highlights the Forum’s growing suspicions regarding the efficacy and sufficiency of the government’s operational methods.

    “NEF questions whether the strategies employed by the government are flawed or grossly inadequate, given the audacious regularity and ease with which the attackers operate across the northern region.

    “NEF is also deeply concerned about the recent security incident in Ruwan Dorawa village, Zamfara State that unfolded on the same Christmas Eve resulting in the loss of two innocent lives and the abduction of over 25 individuals, predominantly children and women, including the wife of the village head.

    “In light of this incident and the escalating security challenges faced by the region, NEF urgently demands a comprehensive investigation into the reported security lapse in Ruwan Dorawa village. The findings of this inquiry must be made public, and those responsible for the security breach must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from reoccurring,” the statement said.

    The Forum also called upon the relevant authorities to give immediate attention to the several administrative and judicial commissions of inquiry reports concerning security incidents in Plateau, Kaduna and other conflict areas in the North.

    It further called “For a reassessment of the current strategies deployed by the government, as they have proved ineffective and inefficient in curbing the escalating violence. NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this heinous crime.”

    Kwara State governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the attacks on Plateau villages as shocking and sad.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor asked the security agencies to get to the root of the incident.

    He condolled with the people and government of Plateau, especially the bereaved families.

    He said, “Nothing justifies the violence visited on innocent people” and urged the security agencies to get to the roots of the incident and bring perpetrators to book.

    He prayed to God to give comfort to all the affected families and appealed to everyone on the Plateau to do everything to avoid “A cycle of violence, which only inflicts generational pains and underdevelopment”.

    Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum described the attacks as reprehensible and heinous.

    Its chairman and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deepest condolences to the affected families and communities as well as the government and people of Plateau State.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, he said it was “Reprehensible and disheartening to hear the loss of over 100 hundred lives and destruction of properties that occurred during these attacks, especially during a time when residents were preparing to celebrate the festive season.

    “Such acts of violence are not only cowardly but also run counter to the spirit of unity and coexistence that our region upholds.

    “We must all prioritise peace and harmonious living in our communities. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and solidarity regardless of our differences.

    “We must unite in our commitment to peace and security, and stand firm against all forms of violence and division,” the governor warned in the statement.

    Yahaya commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his leadership and responsible handling of the situation in the aftermath of the attacks and assured him that the northern governors stood united in solidarity with him in the face of adversity and would work together towards lasting peace in Plateau State.

    He commended the security agencies operating in the area, and implored them to redouble their efforts in safeguarding the lives and property of the people, harping on urgent need for increased vigilance and swift action to ensure the safety of all citizens.

    He also urged members of the communities to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the security agencies for immediate intervention.

    Meanwhile, the governor of Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang, said 64 communities in the state had been displaced by terrorists occupying the areas and some schools.

    Speaking on Channels Television yesterday, Mutfwang highlighted the immense burden placed on the state by the continuous displacement of citizens due to terrorist activities.

    He said, “When people are dislocated from their villages and they have to run for shelter, now we are struggling to provide shelter for these people that have been displaced and dislocated from their communities.

    “If they stay away from those communities for a sustained period of time, the terrorists would come in. As I am talking to you today (Tuesday), in Riyom Local Government, in Barkin Ladi Local Government, schools have been occupied by these terrorists for almost a number of years now.

    “We have not less than 64 communities that have been displaced and their lands have been taken over by these terrorists.”
    The governor condemned the perceived inaction under the previous administration, stating that residents felt the terrorists were given official government backing.

    He emphasised that the current occupation of schools did not happen overnight, with some having been seized for as long as five years.

    “Under the last regime, the feeling among people in Plateau State particularly the victims of these terrorist attacks was that it looked as if the terrorists were given official government backing to be able to terrorise them because little or nothing was done to repel these attacks.

    “I can tell you these schools that are being occupied, it didn’t just start now, some of those schools have been occupied in the last three, four, five years.

    “Children therefore in those schools have not been able to go to school, they have to relocate; we even have primary health care centres abandoned because of these terrorists, which means that our health care system is put in jeopardy, what do we need to do? I think this is where the president needs to come in,” he added.

  • APC, PDP Unveil Timetable, Costs for  Bye-Elections

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have each revealed their timelines and expenses for the upcoming 2024 bye-elections in accordance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directives.

    For the Senate race, the APC set the expression of interest form at N3 million and the nomination form at N17 million.

    House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1 million for expression of interest and N9 million for nomination. 

    As for the House of Assembly, the expression of interest form stands at N500,000, while the nomination form is priced at N1,500,000. 

    The party encouraged female aspirants and people living with disabilities to obtain the expression of interest form, with the nomination form available for free. 

    Additionally, youths aged 25 to 40 can obtain the expression of interest form at a 50% discount on the nomination form.

    The PDP, on the other hand, outlined its costs differently. 

    The expression of interest form for the Senate is set at N500,000, with the nomination form at N3,000,000. 

    House of Representatives hopefuls will pay N500,000 for expression of interest and N2,000,000 for nomination. 

    For the State House of Assembly, the expression of interest form costs N100,000, while the nomination form is priced at N500,000. 

    Similar to the APC, the PDP stated that female aspirants and individuals living with disabilities will pay for nomination forms only. 

    Furthermore, individuals below 40 years old will receive a 50% discount on the nomination form after purchasing the expression of interest form.

  • Three Inmates Escape From Ogun Prison

    The Ijebu Ode Correctional Home in Ogun State has been rocked by a jailbreak.

    This was confirmed on Tuesday by Victor Oyeleke, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ogun State Command. 

    Three inmates reportedly fled the facility in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a search operation involving various agencies.

    Oyeleke emphasized that efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the escaped inmates. 

    He assured the public that measures are in place as they collaborate with sister agencies and utilize biometric data and family contacts to facilitate their capture.

    While a statement from the Ijebu Imushin Area Command of So-Safe Corps corroborated the jailbreak, Soji Ganzallo, the So-Safe Corps Commander, claimed no knowledge of the incident, urging the public to disregard the information.

    The escapees have been identified as Hammed Adeboyejo, convicted of Murder/Armed Robbery; Fatai Taiwo Akande, sentenced on a Murder Case from Ijebu-Igbo; and Oguntona Aliu, convicted of a Sexual Offense. Authorities advise anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact relevant security agencies immediately.

  • Plateau Massacre: HURIWA Asked Tinubu To Sack Defence Chiefs, Ministers

    Reactions has continued to trial the massacre of over 96 persons by gunmen that attacked 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve.

    According to The Police Public Relations Officer for the Plateau Command, DSP Alfred Alabo,
    the gunmen also destroyed 221 houses, eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles.

    Following the devastating incident that happened on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at about 10 pm, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been asked to immediately overhauls the security institutions because the present heads of those institutions of national security are not committed to safeguard lives and property of the citizens of the Country.

    Reacting to the incident, Human rights writers association of nigeria (HURIWA), described development as an intolerable crime and manifestations of incompetence on the part is the security chiefs.

    Consequence to the above, the right ground called on
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to arrest the killers and take them to face stiff and swift justice or the President should get ready to be dragged to the International criminal court in the Hague Netherlands for permitting heinous crimes against humanity under his government. ”

    HURIWA recalled that France news agency has reported that armed groups have killed at least 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages, local government officials said on Monday. The group then wonder how on earth the President and the service chiefs are busy feasting in their different homes under the guise of celebrating the Christmas holiday whereas citizens are exposed to the dangerous attacks by armed terrorists.

    The group informed that the toll marked a sharp rise from the initial figure reported by the army Sunday evening of just 16 dead in a region plagued for several years by religious and ethnic tensions.

    “What is the primary duty of government constitutionally? The primary legal obligations of government in accordance with the Grund Norm of Nigeria is the preservation of the sanctity of lives of Nigerians, prevent killings of citizens and the destructions of their property and assets by armed non state actors. Why then is the president Tinubu unwilling to dismiss his non-performing security service chiefs and the DG of DSS who has overstayed his retirement time?

    “it is now as clear and as constant as the northern stars that the current crop of service chiefs, Defence and police ministers and the inspector General of police are absolutely and grossly incompetent and indeed lack the capacity, the will power, the patriotic zeal and the professional candour to combat and defeat the expanding frontiers of terror attacks.

    “it is the most shameful show of incompetence on the part of the Commander-in-Chief and his bunch of appointees holding command and ministerial positions linked to the protection of mational security, to stand by even as many as 113 persons have been confirmed killed says HURIWA even as the Saturday hostilities persisted to early hours of Monday as disclosed by Monday Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, told AFP.

    “Military gangs, locally called “bandits”, launched “well-coordinated” attacks in “not fewer than 20 different communities” and torched houses, Kassah said.

    Regrettably, HURIWA blame the incompetent service chiefs and the IGP for making it seamless for daredevil terrorists to spread their killing sprees across many states in Nigeria, the cases in Taraba and Benue states are becoming increasingly worrisome to the extent that terrorists from Cameroon enter Nigeria and kill in the two states unchallenged.

    The Rights group described the continuous killings by the so-called unknown gunmen in the South East, and the persistent pogroms in Benue, Taraba and Plateau carefully choreographed by Fulani irredentists and terrorists, as unforgivable crimes against humanity.

    “HURIWA which stated that killings are also the manifestations of the lack of any kind of coordinated approach by the armed forces of Nigeria, the police and the Department of State Services to viciously confront the terrorists unleashing mass killings all across Nigeria,

    “HURIWA is calling on the President who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria to take responsibility for these massive scale of failures by the armed forces and then take concrete steps to rejig the architectural formation of Nigeria’s security services by picking new sets of competent heads to coordinate the attacks against terrorists.”

    Meanwhile, DSP Alabo said that findings from the assessment of the incident in Bokkos revealed that the 12 villages were attacked during which more than 79 persons killed and 221 houses set ablaze.

    In his words; “Communities attacked in Bokkos Local Government Area include, Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani”.

    In Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, communities attacked are NTV, Hurum and Darawat.

    The Police spokesman further said that 27 motorcycles and eight vehicles were equally burnt down while three other communities were attacked in Barkin-Ladi in which 17 persons were killed.

    The police said that investigation and monitoring were ongoing, adding that further development would be communicated to the public in due course.

  • Tinubu Orders Manhunt Of Culprits Behind Plateau Killings

    President Bola Tinubu has  condemned the horrific attacks that ravaged communities in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas, resulting in the tragic loss of over 115 lives.

    Gunmen perpetrated the onslaughts on Sunday night, targeting residents in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs, along with Mangu.

    Expressing his outrage, President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, labeled the attackers as “harbingers of death, inflicting immeasurable pain and anguish.” 

    He assured that justice would be served, emphasizing that those responsible “will face the full force of the law.”

    The President issued direct instructions to security agencies, urging an immediate and comprehensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators. 

    He emphasized the urgency of capturing the culprits and urged security forces to intensify efforts across the region.

    Furthermore, President Tinubu has directed the prompt deployment of relief resources to support survivors of these “barbaric and heartless attacks,” ensuring urgent medical care for the injured.

    A mass burial was conducted to honor and lay to rest those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

  • Emefiele Drags CBN Investigator To Court Over Damning Allegations 

    Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has vehemently denied allegations made against him by a Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

    Emefiele labeled the accusations as “satanic, baseless, defamatory, and false.”

    In a statement released on Sunday, Emefiele expressed his intent to initiate legal proceedings to clear his name from the damaging claims contained in the report. 

    His legal representative, Maxwell Okpara, confirmed the authenticity of the statement, underscoring the seriousness of Emefiele’s response.

    The investigator’s report, which allegedly accused Emefiele of various financial misconducts, including the opening of 593 foreign bank accounts without proper authorization, stirred controversy.

     Notably, it claimed substantial amounts held in UK banks without proper approvals and questioned the legitimacy of the recent naira redesign.

    Emefiele strongly refuted these allegations, asserting that he had complied with necessary protocols, including obtaining Presidential approval, and passing on necessary documents during the investigative process. 

    He particularly emphasized that the redesign of the naira had received explicit authorization from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Furthermore, Emefiele distanced himself from allegations of withdrawing $6.23 million from the CBN vault based on a falsified presidential directive. 

    He maintained his lack of knowledge and involvement, challenging the investigator to make public the purported documents and his statements during the inquiry.

    Regarding the numerous foreign accounts allegedly opened, Emefiele categorically denied any involvement or knowledge of such activities, stressing that CBN departments held the authority for such operations within their legal mandates.

    Emefiele concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a transparent investigation into the accusations while emphasizing his readiness to pursue legal action to refute the defamatory claims against him.

  • Kwankwaso Holds Special Prayer Session Ahead Of Supreme Court Verdict

    Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya political faction, organized a special prayer gathering at his residence in Kano on Monday. 

    This prayer session was aimed to implore divine intervention from God regarding the eagerly awaited Supreme Court decision on the Kano gubernatorial dispute.

    The Islamic group, Mu’assatul Kwankwasiyya, orchestrated this prayer session, with prominent figures like Mallam Yahaya Sufi, Mallam Ashiru Nata’ala, Mallam Bazallahi Nasiru Kabara, and Mallam Sadiq Isiyaku Rabiu leading the prayers. 

    Their supplications included seeking success for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the Supreme Court ruling and praying for the continued peace and harmony within the state.

    This session saw the presence of certain members of the current administration’s cabinet, other political appointees, and supporters affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya movement. 

    The Supreme Court, under the stewardship of Justice Inyang Okoro and a panel of five justices, on Sunday reserved its judgment subsequent to hearing arguments from legal representatives involved in the case.

  • Alleged $6.3m CBN looting: Boss Mustapha describes report as malicious, calls for probe

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has vehemently denied a report alleging his involvement in the alleged illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The report, published by an online newspaper, claimed that a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which supposedly occurred on February 8, 2023, weeks before the presidential election.

    The report further alleged that Mustapha, along with the embattled former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorized the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.

    The investigator’s report, as quoted by the publication, claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the apex bank.

    However, Mustapha, in a strongly worded statement made available to journalists on Saturday, categorically refuted the accusations, calling them “outrageous and unsubstantiated.”

    He described the article as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate my character and besmirch my reputation.”

    The former SGF stressed that he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal.

    He also stated that he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.

    Furthermore, Mustapha questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing to the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.

    The former SGF demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents and expose those behind the “smear” campaign.”

    Mustapha also appealed to the public and media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation.

    Part of his response reads: “The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative. It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported “Presidential Directive” bearing the signature of President Buhari. This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny. In fact, I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers.

    “I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth.

    “Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. I have served with dedication and transparency, and my record speaks for itself. I will not allow this baseless and defamatory attack to go unchallenged. I will defend my reputation vigorously and ensure that the truth prevails.

    “This is not just about me; it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honour. I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognize it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity.”